Many foods and drinks can stain teeth, and coffee is one of the main culprits. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who can’t start the day without at least one cup of joe, your dentist may be concerned about discoloration on your teeth. Here are a few tips for minimizing teeth stains without giving up your favorite beverage.

How to Prevent Coffee Stains on Your Teeth

1. Add Milk to Your Coffee

Coffee stains are caused by dark acids called tannins. The proteins in animal milk attach themselves to these acids, preventing them from binding to your teeth. Plant milk, whether it’s soy or almond, doesn’t contain these proteins, so your dentist may recommend using animal milk in your coffee to fight stains effectively.

2. Choose a Kind With Less Caffeine

Many people rely on the caffeine boost they get from their morning coffee. However, the higher the caffeine content, the more acids the coffee has, increasing the risk of discoloring your teeth. If you’re not willing to go decaf, try switching to a half-caf blend to reduce the chance of stains.

3. Brush Your Teeth

To prevent staining acids from accumulating, brush your teeth after consuming your morning brew. If an afternoon coffee break is part of your work routine, keep a toothbrush at work to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the day. Consult your dentist about how long to wait between drinking coffee and brushing your teeth.

4. Drink It Through a Straw

As you sip coffee from a cup, the staining acids wash over your teeth and stick to them. Consuming your drink through a straw allows the coffee to bypass the teeth, preventing discoloration. Drinking hot coffee this way might take some getting used to, but for those who enjoy iced coffee, it will seem more natural.

5. Rinse Your Mouth Out

You may not have the opportunity to brush your teeth every time you have coffee, especially if you drink it on the go. When you can’t brush afterward, at least give your mouth a quick rinse with plain water. Even better, swish some milk around in your mouth, so the proteins can bind to the coffee acids and wash them away from your teeth.

For professional teeth whitening treatments in Cincinnati, OH, rely on the team at JP Larson, DDS, and Stephen J. Larson, DDS. They offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry services in a relaxing, positive atmosphere. Call (513) 528-1223 today to schedule a dentist appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.